The Most Prestigious Kandy Esala Perahera Festival
Kandy Esala Perahera is the most prestigious and colorful religious festival in Sri Lanka. “Perahera” or parade is a blend of dancers, acrobats, musicians, fire-breathers, singers, and elegantly-dressed tuskers parade the streets. A noble tusker bares the sacred Tooth of the Lord Buddha, allowing everyone to worship the Sacred Tooth.
The historical Kandy Esala Perahera is the chief festive pageant held in great honor of Lord Buddha. The breathtakingly beautiful road parade displays traditional Sri Lanka customs. The great value of the Sinhalese culture shines through this majestic religious festival.
Celebrated Date: The Glorified Parade Takes Place in July or August, Depending on the Full Moon Poya Day.
Kandy Perahera History: History says that the Perahera first took place in the 3rd century BC. Foreign invasions have resulted in the shifting of the seat of the Sri Lankan kingdom. However, the great kings of Sri Lanka have held the Perahera in various places in different forms and scales.
The brilliant form of the Kandy Esala Perahera emerged during the days of the Kandyan Kingdom. Ever since, the Perahera took place annually to honor the Sacred Tooth.
The modern Perahera is highly festive with the influx of various cultural elements and dancing styles.
Why Should You Witness the Kandy Perahera?: Fire-breathers, traditional dancers, and giant tuskers dance; where else on earth it happens? Though many road parades take place across the globe every year, this parade is unique and grand. It’s a religious festival that displays the majestic culture of Sri Lanka.
Whip Crackers, Kandyan dancers, traditional drummers, sacred statues of gods, and dancing tuskers collectively make this dazzling parade. It’s a festival that doesn’t happen anywhere on this planet. You got to visit this small paradisiac island to witness it.
Kandy Esala Perahera Viewing: You can book tickets to enjoy this historical religious festival through the Official Kandy Esala Perahera Website. Or, your local tour planner can help you book the tickets.
Star-grade hotels in Kandy also arrange viewings in luxury settings. Make sure you have a quality camera to capture the glamour. The dates of the Perahera can vary, make sure you know the exact dates and time through your local tour planner.
Closing Thoughts: Esala Perahera or the grand festival of the sacred Tooth of the Lord Buddha takes place in July or August every year. The grand parade includes hundreds of elegantly-dressed dancers, drummers, and tuskers.
If your heart desires a festival that has both sacred and festive essences, here’s the world’s best choice.
